This page is designed to provide for timely and official fire information about wildland fires across the Pacific Northwest. The information is posted by the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center in partnership with Public Information Officers that work for federal, state and local fire agencies and is drawn from official sources within the wildland fire community.

Fire Terms

Saturday, August 20, 2016

8/19/16 Withers Fire Evening Update

Withers Fire: With temperatures soaring into the 90s today, firefighters continued working on containing and mopping up the Withers Fire.

The Level 1 Evacuation for Paisley will be
lifted at 6 p.m. thanks to the effort of firefighting resources from
throughout the West. Their hard work and commitment to public and
firefighter safety made it possible to lift the
evacuation this evening.

The fire is located west of Oregon State Highway 31. The fire was one of four started Wednesday.

A local Type 3 incident management team continues working on the fire.

Smoke impacts to local communities should
be minimal. However, there may still be pockets of visible smoke and
active fire within the perimeter.

While Hwy 31 remains open, there is a
significant increase in fire traffic. Minimizing travel in the area if
possible will help both firefighter and public safety. There is also a
likelihood of increased air traffic in the area
as part of firefighting efforts. A temporary flight restriction is in
place over the fire area.

As hot and dry conditions continue into
the weekend – not only in South Central Oregon, but across the western
United States – the National Interagency Fire Center has elevated the
National Preparedness Level to 4 on a scale from
1 to 5. This means more than three Geographic Areas are experiencing
Type 1 and Type 2 incidents, there is competition for resources and 60
percent of Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Management Teams and crews are
committed. As the Withers Fire approaches containment
and control, firefighting resources are prepared to continue their
important mission locally, regionally and nationally as needed.

Fire danger remains high and the public should be aware of their surroundings and prepared for changing conditions.

Residents and area visitors are asked to
be vigilant with anything with a flame or spark. Also, respect current
Public Use and Fire Restrictions on federal and state lands in Lake and
Klamath counties. It only takes one coal
or ember to spark a wildfire!

The cause is under investigation.
However, the evidence indicates arson and it is now a criminal
investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 541-947-2504.

Road Closures:
Forest Road No. 33, also known as the River Road, from the junction
with Forest Road No. 3315 to Jones Crossing, as well as Forest Road No.
3315 from the junction with
Forest Road No. 33 to the intersection with Forest Road No. 3360 are
closed.

Evacuation Information: Evacuation
levels are being evaluated this morning and may be modified. There is a
Level 3 Evacuation for campgrounds along the Chewaucan River and any
residences
along the River Road – anyone in this area needs to leave immediately.
The Level 1 Evacuation for the town of Paisley will be lifted today at 6
p.m..